FARMERS MARKET: The Saturday KCC Farmers' Market is a must-do event because of the quality of the prepared foods, extraordinary Oahu-grown produce, and the very friendly sweet-natured crowds. Many people grab a table or sit on the grass to drink Hawaii-grown coffee, or eat the luscious baked goods or other gastronimical treats. Hawaii's best Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday at Kapiolani Community College [KCC], located on the backside of Diamond Head Crater at 4303 Diamond Head Road, 8 AM until noon. Whether or not you have access to kitchen facilities, this is the place to come for island-grown-only fresh fruits and veggies, seafood, chickens, eggs and grass-fed Haleiwa beef, as well as scrumptious take-out prepared foods for the beach or condo. Parking is easy and plentiful.

FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES ON THE BEACH: On Kapiolani Beach, adjacent to The Wall at the Diamond Head-end of Waikiki, Sunset On The Beach takes place regularly on weekends, with free outdoor movies screening after the sun sets. Before that, food and live entertainment begin about 4 p.m. There is no admission charge and all are welcome. Call 923-1094 for movie and event schedule. Episodes of LOST are screened, and a huge celebration centered around the premiere of the final season of LOST, with stars in attendance. on the last Friday in January.

THE LEEWARD SIDE of Oahu has gotten a bad rep —and not entirely undeserved— almost exclusively due to the unfriendliness of some of the locals, and lately, the homeless encampments the county has allowed to spring up in some of the parks...you’ll know just by looking whether you ‘d feel comfortable stopping at any particular one. Visit during the week when beaches are nearly deserted, and head for the northernmost beaches of Makaha, Keaau, Makua, and Yokohama. The scenery is breathtaking, and seldom pictured in any tourist promotions. Whether the grasses covering the mountains and valleys are golden or brilliant green, the effect is almost surreal. Unspoiled, unbuilt, and unpopulated, the beaches here are spectacular, with wonderful surfing waves.

The Kaiwa Ridge Trail:

Park where it’s not prohibited, and look for this pathway that goes uphill along the chain link fence.

Right above the beautiful tony beach enclave of Lanikai, uphill on Kaelepulu St., you can skitter up a slope and in less than 5 minutes see this exact view. More than this, the vista is 360 degrees wide, and the breezes wonderful. Bring water and a camera, and visit a bunker that stood protective watch over Oahu during WWII.

Keaau Beach Park, 83-431 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, pictured top, and Yokohama Beach, middle.

The MAKAPU`U HEAD TRAIL begins at the Makapu`u lookout parking area and winds past amazing views of the Windward Shore, Rabbit and Turtle Islands, whales, hang gliders, bodysurfers and kayakers, only to come to a rest at beautiful Makapu`u Lighthouse. The MAUNAWILI TRAIL begins at a parking area adjacent to the Pali Highway, right after the tunnels on the Kailua side. Valley views  give way to Maunawili Falls and swimming hole. The KAIWA RIDGE TRAIL follows the apex of the hills that back Lanikai, and requires less than a five minute climb to reach. We feel it is Oahu’s most beautiful for its ease of access and the inspiring views of the Moku Lua Islands, Kailua Beach, and the peak of Olomana. HAUULA TRAIL winds through gorgeous Norfolk pine and Australian pine forest, with panoramic views of shoreline communities along the coast as well as deep into the beautiful valleys. The long but flat KAENA POINT TRAIL follows the old Oahu Railway track bed along shore and around Kaena Point. We feel that this is Oahu’s best hike: it is mostly level, and lovely views lie in all directions. You may see the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, or in winter, offshore waves on the north shore portion that top fifty feet in height.

For the best and safest experience, contact a local hiking organization.

Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club : www.htmclub.org

The Sierra Club,  808-538-6616 

The Nature Conservancy,  808-537-4508.

Websites: <www.hawaiitrails.org>

<www.backyardoahu.com>

Hauula Trail

Lanikai: The Kaiwa Ridge Trail

Don’t Miss:

1. •North Shore Farms
   

2. •Neapolitan Pizza
   

3. •Kahuku Sea Asparagus

KAHANA BAY on Oahu’s Leeward shore is a lovely crescent bay with great snorkeling roadside, near the Crouching Lion, a terrific swimming hole in Kahana Valley, and a beautiful grove of coconut palms. The inner bay waters may be clouded with silt after a rain as a major stream empties into the southeast end of Kahana Bay.

KAHANA BAY

Embassy Suites

Waikiki Beach Walk

Makapu`u Head Trail

Makapu`u Head Trail

KOKONUTS, OR ISLAND SNOW? The First Family’s vacation favorites are many —theu often visit Sea Life Park, eat at Lucy’s Grill in Kailua, take the entire crew for shave ice at Island Snow in Kailua or Kokonuts in Hawaii Kai.  Places the First family has been spotted previously are numbered in the blue circles on the map above.

FIRST FAMILY FAVORITES

EASY-TO-MISS WINDWARD WONDERS

IN YOUR HASTE TO MAKE TIME as you drive around the island, you can overlook a lot of wonderful scenery and swimming opportunities, so keep an eye out. Clockwise: At Waiahole, pull over to enjoy this gorgeous view of the pali and Chinaman’s Hat isle. After passing Chinaman’s Hat at Kualoa, look to the left for the sugar mill ruins...but keep off, they’re collapsing. At Ka`a`awa, right next to the highway, hop out and have a quick swim. At Punaluu, stop and enjoy the shaded picnic tables at sand’s edge. After passing Laie, pull into Malaekahana State Recreation Area and head to the beach. Look seaward to see close-by Goat Island, with it;s wonderful sheltered crescent bay and white sand. Paddle over on a boogie board.